We didn't bat at our best: Lanning

World conqueror Meg Lanning is not used to losing marquee games but the 31-year-old had to end up on the losing side after Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals in the final of the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League on Sunday (March 26).

Delhi, who won six of their eight league-stage games, didn’t have to play the Eliminator and earned direct qualification to the grand finale. They were up against Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. and it was Mumbai who emerged victorious by seven wickets.

The loss would have hurt even more if Delhi would have shown the white flag after being reduced to 79/9 in the first innings. However, that’s when Shikha Pandey (17-ball 27*) and Radha Yadav (12-ball 27*) joined hands and slammed 52 runs in the last four overs.

Thanks to that unbelievable last-wicket partnership, Delhi posted a competitive first-innings score of 131/9. In response, Mumbai lost Hayley Matthews and Yastika Bhatia inside four overs but Nat Sciver-Brunt (55-ball 60*) and Harmanpreet (39-ball 37) added 72 runs for the third wicket.

Harmanpreet couldn’t finish the job but Sciver-Brunt only left the field after helping Mumbai go past Delhi’s total in the final over. Amelia Kerr (8-ball 14*) also played an important cameo after picking up two wickets in the first innings.

“We would have loved to win but full credit to MI. They deserve it but full credit to our group's efforts. We didn't really set a target, we wanted to put a few more,” said Lanning, who got run-out after scoring 35 off 29 deliveries.

“We didn't bat at our best but this competition has shown you can keep going till the end, and then you never know. Very good effort from the bowlers. We did well in the first 10 overs, got early wickets but Harmanpreet and Sciver-Brunt took the game away, they batted very well.

“I have enjoyed playing spin, enjoyed my experience with DC. Everyone responsible at this franchise, made us feel very welcome. A massive thank you to them.”

The right-hander from Australia ended the competition as the leading run-scorer, smacking 345 runs in nine innings at an average of 49.29 and a strike rate of 139.11.